General Welder – Intermediate Apprenticeship

The apprentice will gain both technical knowledge and real practical experience, along with functional and personal skills. These are acquired through a mix of learning in the workplace, formal off-the-job training and academic study at college.

The apprentice will learn the mechanical properties and weldability of welded materials and will gain an understanding of the common arc welding processes, joint types (fillet, lap, butt, etc.) and positions.

The apprentice will also gain an understanding of the the major components of welding equipment, essential parameters for welding, the terminology, operation and controls for the selected arc welding processes, joint types and welding positions.

The apprentice will be able to identify and understand the causes of typical welding defects and how their occurrence can be reduced, for the materials and welding processes selected and to also understand the functions of welding consumables and the requirements for correct storage and handling.

The apprentice will be able to identify and select correct welding consumables for each application and understand and identify hazards and basic health, safety and quality requirements when welding.

The pathways in this apprenticeship are; Welding, Sheet, Plate or Structural Steel.

City & Guilds 7682-20 Level 2 NVQ Performing Engineering Operations. Apprentices will be visited approximately once a month in the workplace to carry out reviews and gather workplace evidence. It is a requirement that 20% of working hours per week is spent away from the working role to concentrate on development activities.

Assessment:

Via observed competency in completing practical tasks or completion of knowledge based booklets, internally set exam papers and production of practical work pieces and the writing of detailed reports. On completion of the portfolio and conditional on passing through both gateway’s they will be then entered for the externally assessed End Point Assessment covering demonstration of practical/knowledge skills.

Functional Skills:

Maths and English Level 1 or 2 (depending of previous qualifications).

Entry onto this qualification is subject to initial assessment. GCSE Grades A*-C in Maths, English and ICT would be beneficial.

Typically job roles will include; Fitter Welder, Welder/Fabricator.

On a day release basis at Keighley college, alongside full time employment.